Air conditioning unit

ABSTRACT

A COIL-TYPE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FOR OPERATIVE COMMUNICATION VIA SUITABLE DUCT WORK TO AN EXTERNAL SOURCE OF AIR AND TO AN ENCLOSURE WHICH IS TO BE AIR CONDITIONED. THE UNIT COMPRISES A HOUSING PROVIDED WITH AIR INLETS AND AIR OUTLETS. ON THE ONE HAND, A FIRST INLET PERMITS THE WITHDRAWAL OF FRESH AIR FROM AN EXTERNAL SOURCE, AND ANOTHER INLET PERMITS WITHDRAWAL AND RECYCLE OF AIR TO THE ENCLOSURE. ON THE OTHER HAND, A FIRST OUTLET PERMITS PASSAGE OF CONDITIONED AIR TO THE ENCLOSURE, AND A SECOND OUTLET IS PROVIDED FOR EXHAUST AIR. THE REFRIGERATION COMPONENTS OF THE UNIT INCLUDE A COMPRESSOR OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO A CONDENSER AND EVAPORATOR WHICH LIE WITHIN AIR FLOW PATHS THROUGH THE AIR OUTLETS, AND A FAN. THE COMPRESSOR AND FAN CAN BE OPERATED BY THE SAME OR DIFFERENT MOTORS AND MEANS ARE PROVIDED FOR ALTERNATELY OPENING AND CLOSING THE AIR OUTLETS TO THE FLOW OF AIR DELIVERED BY THE FAN. IN A COOLING OPERATION, REPRESENTING ONE TYPE OF OPERATION, AIR IS DELIVERED ACROSS THE EVAPORATOR AND COOL AIR IS PASSED INTO THE ENCLOSURE WHILE AIR SIMULTANEOUSLY PASSED OVER THE CONDENSER IS EXHAUSTED. IN A WARMING TYPE OPERTION, WARM AIR IS DELIVERED TO THE ENCLOSURE AFTER PASSAGE OVER THE CONDENSER, WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY COLD AIR IS EXHAUSTED AFTER PASSAGE ACROSS THE EVAPORATOR. AUTOMATIC CONTROLS ARE PROVIDED.

J. W. JOHNSON AIR CONDITIONING UNIT Filed Dec.

Dec.. 7, 1971 INVENTOR.

JOHN W JOHNSON ATTORNEY United States Patent Oiice 3,625,022 Patented Dec. 7, 1971 3,625,022 AIR CONDITIONING UNIT John W. Johnson, 12222 Troy St., Baton Rouge, La. 70811 Filed Dec. 23, 1969, Ser. No. 887,710 Int. Cl. F251) 29/.00

U.S. Cl. 62-159 7 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE.

A coil-type air conditioning unit for operative communication via suitable duct work to an external source of air and to an enclosure which is to be air conditioned.

The unit comprises a housing provided with air inlets and air outlets. On the one hand, a iirst inlet permits the withdrawal of fresh air from an external source, and another inlet permits withdrawal and recycle of air to the enclosure. On the other hand, a first outlet permits passage of conditioned air to the enclosure, and a second outlet is provided for exhaust air. The refrigeration components of the unit include a compressor operatively connected to a condenser and evaporator which lie within air flow paths through the air outlets, and a fan. The compressor and ian can be operated by the same or different motors, and means are provided for alternately opening and closing the air outlets to the flow of air delivered by the fan. IIn a cooling operation, representing one type of operation, air is delivered across the evaporator and cool air is passed into the enclosure While -air simultaneously passed over the condenser is exhausted. In a warming type operation, warm air is delivered to the enclosure after passage over the condenser, while simultaneously cold air is exhausted after passage across the evaporator. Automatic controls are provided.

This invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus, or unit for heating and humidifying, as well as for cooling and dehumidifying air. In preferred combinations, the appartus includes an enclosure, or enclosed space to be air conditioned, connected via suitable duct work to a new and improved type of coil-type unit air conditioner, and the latter in turn is also connected, preferably via suitable duct work, to an external source of air. Air from the enclosure is recycled, with external air in the amount desired, through the coil-type unit air conditioner so that the enclosure is maintained within the desired comfort range of temperature and humidity.

Among the objects of this invention are:

To provide a new and improved air conditioning unit for control of atmospheric conditions within an enclosure with respect to temperature, or both temperature and humidity.

To provide an air conditioning unit of such character for use in homes or other type dwellings, industrial establishments, oice buildings, auditoriums, theaters, and the like.

To provide for such use an essentially self-contained air conditioning unit, or unit within which is enclosed or contained the essential refrigeration components so that the unit can be ceiling-mounted, floor-mounted, suspended or hung adjacent the enclosure to be air conditioned for operative communication therewith.

T0 provide a self-contained air conditioner of such character wherein outside air is continuously supplied with recycle air to the enclosure, while a portion of the air is used to elfect efficient heat exchange prior to venting it from the system.

To provide a self-contained air conditioner readily adapted for automatic control for maintaining the desired temperature and humidity within an enclosure.

These and other objects will be apparent in view of the present invention, a coil-type air conditioning unit for operative communication via duct work with an enclosure to be air conditioned comprising: a housing provided with air inlets and air outlets, an inlet for withdrawing air from a location exterior to the said enclosure and an inlet for recycle of air to the enclosure, an outlet for passage of conditioned air to the enclosure and an outlet for exhaust air; a compressor operatively communicated 'with a condenser and evaporator which lie within the air ow paths through the air outlets; a fan; and means for alternately opening and closing the air outlets to the flow of air delivered by the fan across the evaporator and condenser, respectively.

In one mode of operation, as in a cooling operation, the outlet constituting a portion of an air flow path across the evaporator is open to the duct work leading to the enclosure so that the air is cooled and dehurnidied prior to delivery to the enclosure. Simultaneously, air is discharged across the condenser coil and then exhausted from the unit to effect proper heat exchange. In a Warming operation, on the other hand, the air flowing across the condenser is discharged via the duct work into the enclosure while the air flowing across the evaporator is exhausted.

In a preferred embodiment the air conditioning unit is automated. The unit is thus set for delivery of warm air or cold, dehumidilied air into the enclosure, as desired depending on the season. In either event, the air conditioning unit is regulated via appropriate temperature responsive means located within the enclosure, e.g., a thermostat, to maintain a preselected temperature setting.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and to the attached drawings to which reference is made in the description.

-In the figures:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view which depicts the interior of a typical frame building 'with multiple interconnected rooms representing an enclosure to be air conditioned. An air conditioning unit representative of that corresponding to the present invention is located within the attic of the structure, and is connected to the enclosure and to the exterior via suitable duct work.

FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view which depicts the internal portion of the air conditioning unit per se.

Referring to FIGS. l and 2 generally, there is shown the interior of a frame building 50, representing, e.g., a typical multiple room dwelling. An air conditioning unit 10 is secured to the ceiling floor of attic 40, is operatively connected via suitable duct work 20 to an enclosure 30, which is to be air conditioned by control of temperature, or both temperature and humidity. Air from the enclosure 30, which can be a plurality of interconnected rooms, e.g., rooms A, B, C, is recycled via ascent of air from the enclosure 30 through, e.g., a conduit 31 (which is connected to a closet 32) to the air conditioning unit 10 wherein the air is, e.g., cooled, dehumidiiied, and then returned through the duct work 20. Fresh air, from the outside, can be drawn into the air conditioning unit 10 via the duct 11 and passed into enclosure 30, as desired.

The air conditioning unit 10 per se, as best shown by direct reference to FIG. l, is comprised of a novel arrangement of refrigeration components contained within a casing or housing 12. The housing 12 is formed by two contiguous chambers, a larger chamber formed by enclosing iixed top and bottom Walls 121, 122, 123 and 124 (not shown) and a smaller connecting chamber formed by enclosing parallel aligned, inwardly spaced, fixed top and bottom walls 121A, 122A, 123A and 124A (not shown). These chambers are permanently interconnected by fixed side panels 123B and 124B (not shown) which are adjoined to the respective pairs of parallel walls 123, 123A and 12.1, 124A (not shown). The top and bottoms walls (121, 121A and 122, 122A), respectively, of the pair of chambers are adjoined only by the alternative positioning of one of a pair of movable panels 381, 382 which are hinged or pivotally attached to the walls 121A, 122A, respectively. In the position shown by reference to the tigure, top walls 121, 121A are thus closed via the movable panel 382 while an opening remains between bottom Walls 122, 122A by the positioning of movable panel 381. Alternate positioning of these panels 381, 382 connects together bottom walls 122, 122 A and leaves an opening between top walls 121, 121A. The refrigeration components include a fan 13, mounted within an internal air intake housing 14 which is an extension of the duct work to which is connected air conduits 11, 31. Fresh air which enters via conduit 11, and recycle air which enters through conduit 31, are cleaned by passage through the filter 34, mounted within the frame or brackets 351, 352 of the air intake housing 14,

A compressor 15, driven by a motor 16, is connected to a metal coil containing circuit wherein a refrigerant is compressed and delivered via metal conduit 171 -to a first coil or condenser 17 and thence delivered through a drier 19 and an expansion chamber V to a second metal coil or evaporator 18. Refrigerant is returned via conduit 181 to the compressor 15. The refrigerant is thus compresed and condensed within coil 17 to liberate heat, and expanded or evaporated under reduced pressure within coil 18 to absorb heat. Air is warmed or cooled by passage over the repective coils. Air from conduits 11, 31 of the duct work is thus delivered by the action of fan 13 through the filter 34, and then cooled and dehumidified by passage over the evaporator 18. Water condensate is removed from the unit via a drain pipe 9 located beneath coils 18, 19 in such manner that water which is not evaporated on the condenser coil 19 is disposed of. To effect proper heat exchange, a portion of the air is also delivered across the condenser 17, and warmed.

The motor Which drives fan 13, and compressor motor 16, can be driven by any convenient source of power. It can thus be powered by electricity, steam, fossil fuels or the like. Suitably also, a single power source, e.g., compressor motor 16, can be used to drive the fan 13 and the compressor 15, relatively minor structural modifications being required to effect this result.

An on-olf type of valve arrangement located at the forward end of the air conditioning unit permits delivery of either cold air or warm air to the enclosure 30'. A pair of panels 381, 382, pivotally connected to the top and bottom walls 121A, 122A, are thus controlled and positioned by a small electric motor 43 mounted atop a wall 121A of the air conditioning unit 10. Panels 381, 382 are thus actuatable by movement of a small lever arm 42 upon an arm 41 which is pivotally connected to each panel 381, 382, respectively, The arm 41 is acted upon by upward or downward movement of the relatively short lever arm 42, driven by electric motor 43, to position the two panels 381, 382 in either one of two possible positons. In the position shown, on the one hand, panel 381 prevents ingress of warmed air off condenser 17 to the chamber 39, but at the same time permits the egress of the Warm air through the opening at the front of the unit between walls 122 and 122A. On the other hand, panel 382 is positioned to permt ingress of cold dehumidied air oi evaporator 18 to the chamber 39. Conversely, when the panels 381, 382 are oppositely positioned, as shown by the phantom lines, cold dehumidified air from evaporator 18 is discharged and vented through the opening between walls 121, 121A while warm humidiiied air from condenser 17 is discharged into the chamber 39 to the duct work 20, and into the enclosure 30.

The motor `43 is in turn controlled by a selector switch 36 and the compressor motor 16 by a thermostat 37 via a conventional electric circuit, illustrated schematically. The enclosure 30 is thus prefererably provided with a conventional electrically controlled selector switch 36 which is usually set on C in summer for selection of cool dehumidied air, or on H in winter for delivery of warm humidied air. The relative degree of warmth or coolness maintained within the enclosure 30 is selected by adjustment of the thermostat switch 37. The compressor motor 16 is turned on and off via the thermostat 37 acting via appropriate electrical circuitry upon the rnotor switch 8.

In the position shown in FIG. l the selector switch is set on C for delivery of cold air into the enclosure 30, and the temperature of the enclosure 30 is to be maintained at a preselected setting, e.g., 75 F. The pair of pivotally connected panels 381, 382, the former resting against a stop 7, are vthus simultaneously positioned as shown by action of the lever arm 42 of motor 43, acting through arm 41, to permit delivery of air, cooled and dehumidified by passage over evaporator 18, into the chamber 39. Air warmed by passage over condenser 17 is passed out of the unit via the opening between walls 122 and 122A, and vented through the roof via vent 51. Replacement air enters the enclosure via the conduit 11, under the positive action of fan 13. As the temperature of the enclosure 30 drops below the set point control temperature, i.e., below 75 F., the thermostat 37 via electrical circuitry, shown in part, cuts off the compressor motor 16 and as the temperature rises above the set point temperature, the compressor motor 16 is again turned on so that the fan 13 again ldelivers cold dehumidified air to the enclosure 30. The fan 13 is allowed to run continuously.

In a cooling operation, cool dehumid-ied air is thus delivered into the enclosure 30, via the continuous action of fan 13, the air passing downwardly into the series of interconnected rooms A, B, C by movement through the passageways 24, 25, 26 to closet 32 wherein it ascends through conduit 31 to the air conditioning unit 10 for recirculation. Warm exhaust air is vented from the attic 40 via the vent 51. Fresh air is drawn into the system through conduit 11 from the outside, and cooled and dehumidilied to the extent necessary. The latter feature is very desirable for it maintains clean, fresh air. It is particularly economically attractive in many climates, and especially so in the evenings and at night where the outside air temperature drops within a comfortable range.

It is apparent that conventional materials of construction can be used, and various changes, such as in absolute or relative dimensions of the parts, components, materials used and the like, can be made without departing the spirit and scope of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. In an air conditioning unit for operative communication via suitable duct work to an external source of air and to an enclosure to be air conditioned, the combination comprising a housing, formed by enclosing walls, provided with air inlets and air outlets, an inlet for withdrawing air from the said external source and an inlet for recycle of air to the said enclosure, an outlet for passage of conditioned air to the enclosure and an outlet for exhaust of air from the unit,

a condenser and evaporator, each located adjacent the air outlets,

a compressor for circulating a refrigerant via appropriate lines between the condenser and evaporator,

a single fan for drawing air into the housing, and for delivery of air to the air outlets,

means for alternatively opening and closing the air outlets,

whereby, in a cooling operation a portion of air is cooled and dehumidied by passage across the evaporator prior t-o delivery to the enclosure while simultaneously a portion of air is warmed and humidied by passage over the condenser and then exhausted and, conversely, in a warming operation, a portion of air is warmed and humidied by passage over the condenser prior to delivery to the enclosure while simultaneously a portion of air cooled and dehumidied by passage over the evaporator is exhausted.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the air outlets are formed by movable panels pivotally attached to oppositely located parallel walls forming the housing, one positioning of the panels being such that one portion of air is passed across the evaporator and via the duct work to the enclosure while another portion of air which is passed across the condenser is blocked olic therefrom and exhausted from the unit, the other positioning of the panels being such that one portion of air is passed across the condenser and via the duct work to the enclosure while another portion of air which is passed across the evaporator is blocked off therefrom and exhausted from the unit.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the movable panels are located and pivotally mounted upon the inside pair of the parallel walls.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the panels are pivotally attached to a bar, operatively engaged with a motor activated lever arm for opening and closing the outlets by alternate positioning of the panels.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the motor is automatically controlled Via a switch mechanism located within the enclosure.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the compressor is also automatically controlled and turned off and on by a thermostat located within the enclosure.

7. In air air conditioning unit for operative communication via suitable duct work to an external source of air and to an enclosure to be air conditioned, the combination comprising:

a housing, formed by enclosing |walls,

air inlets within said housing, a rst inlet for withdrawing air from the said external source and a second inlet for recycle of air from the said enclosure,

a forward extension of the housing, formed by enclosing walls, communicated with the said duct work leading into the enclosure to be air conditioned, said forward extension of the housing being connected to the said housing via oppositely disposed parallel walls,

air outlets formed by a pair of simultaneously movable panels pivotally attached to the oppositely disposed parallel walls forming the extension of the housing, the position of the movable panels forming, in a lirst position, a first outlet for passage of conditioned air via the duct work to the enclosure and, in a second position, a second outlet for exhaust of air from the unit,

a condenser and evaporator, each located pari passu adjacent the air outlets,

a compressor for circulating a refrigerant via appropriate lines between the condenser and evaporator,

a single fan for drawing air into the housing, and for delivery of air across both the condenser` and evaporator prior to passage through the air outlets,

the pair of movable panels providing, in a first position, a cooling operation, wherein a portion of air is cooled and dehumidied by passage acrossV the evaporator prior to delivery to the enclosure while simultaneously a portion of air is warmed' vand humidified by passage over the condenser and then exhausted and, conversely, in a second positioning of the movable panels a warming operation, wherein a portion of air is warmed and humidied by passage over the condenser prior to delivery to t'li'e enclosure while simultaneously a portion of air cooled and dehumiditied by passage over the evaporator is exhausted.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,284,764 6/1942 Parks 165-16 2,303,094 1'1/1942 Sharpe 165-62 3,179,338 4/1965 Ostrander 165-16 3,500,657 3/1970 Johnson 621-262 3,540,525 ll/ 1970 Bradshaw -26 1,942,295 l/ 1934 Kerr 62-159 2,104,587 1/1938 Gangler 62-159 2,130,089 9/19'38 Hull 62-159 .2,293,482 8/1942 Ambrose 62-159 2,718,119 9/1955 Prince 762-159 2,969,652 l/l96l Blanchard `612,-159

WILLIAM J. WYE, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 

